Business support services company DCC has agreed to acquire Shell Direct Austria (SDA), a fuel distribution business, for €18.3 million (£16.4 million) in cash.

SDA sells some 630 million litres of transport fuels and heating oils to domestic and industrial customers throughout Austria. The company employs 152 staff and has 60,000 customers.

Tommy Breen, chief executive of DCC, said: '[SDA's] extensive operational infrastructure, together with [our] experience in profitably managing and developing local oil distribution businesses, provide an excellent platform for growing this business in Austria over the coming years.'

DCC reported revenue of €2.8 billion in the six months ending September, with operating profits of €56.6 million.